Wayne Gretzky is entering a new profession at the age of 60 for a very personal reason. “The Great One” discussed why he is just now entering the media space as opposed to earlier in life.
“It was for a few reasons, not just one particular reason,” Gretzky said to The Athletic this week. “We have five children, and our second youngest child is going to NYU in New York City. Our youngest daughter turned 18 and is now attending SMU. I have a 100-year-old mother-in-law that we live with in St. Louis, so (my wife) Janet and I moved as a family to St. Louis to be closer to her and spend as much time as possible with her.”
Wayne Gretzky is a part of the brand-new broadcast team covering hockey on TNT. He was a big target for Turner and ESPN, who ended up signing Mark Messier after Gretzky was no longer an option, as their premier former-player analyst.
“It was kind of a tough year with spending 20 days and watching my dad (Walter) pass, so we’re getting an opportunity to spend time in the Midwest with Janet’s family,” Gretzky continued. “Coupled with that, we have two grandboys who live in Florida. When the opportunity arose to be part of hockey again, it was just Janet and I at home. Coming into Atlanta (where Turner Sports is located) is relatively easy from St. Louis and from Florida.”
Wayne Gretzky played 20 seasons in the NHL, 15 of which he made the All-Star team. The greatest hockey player of all time captured four Stanley Cup titles during his career.
“To be part of a group that really wants hockey to do well. I love being part of the team, and I haven’t been around that in a long time. Hockey is my life. I love the game. I love everything about it. So when they ask me to be part of this, I was genuinely excited.”
TNT starts their NHL coverage on Wednesday, Oct. 13, when the New York Rangers visit the Washington Capitals.